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Welcome to Slovenia

A small country, half the size of Switzerland in the south of
central Europe, Slovenia is packed with unusual and often unique
attractions and experiences, from primeval forests to a lively and
architecturally beautiful capital city, and from thermal springs to
its mysterious karst (limestone plateau) caves.

The country is sandwiched between Italy, Croatia, Hungary and
Austria, with a coastline on the Adriatic Sea to the south
west.

Visitors to this picturesque corner of Europe can enjoy several
amazing and contrasting experiences in the space of one day: start
with a morning dip in the Adriatic, followed by a couple of hours
skiing on Alpine slopes, then explore the subterranean wonders of
the karst caves or become invigorated with a thermal bath, before
strolling through vine-clad hills or ancient forests and ending the
day in a sophisticated casino. Ideally though, it takes much longer
than a day to sample all the delights of this fascinating
country.

The vibrant capital city, Ljubljana, sports a mix of Baroque,
Renaissance and Art Nouveau architecture, exuding an Austro-Alpine
atmosphere gleaned from belonging to the Austro-Hungarian Empire
for many centuries.

Finally, Slovenia boasts of having 2,000 hours of sunshine a
year in which to enjoy all its offerings. The locals are proud to
explain why visitors are enchanted with their country: Slovenia is
the only country in the world with 'love' in its name! An
up-and-coming European holiday destination, visitors are strongly
urged to check out Slovenia before the inevitable effects of mass
tourism begin to take hold.

Information & Facts

Business

Business etiquette in Slovenia is similar to the rest of Western
Europe. Men and women should dress conservatively in formal
business suits. Shaking hands of both men and women is the common
form of greeting and it is considered polite to shake the women's
hand first. Slovenians are referred to as Mr., Mrs. or Ms. (or
other titles) followed by their surnames. Business cards are often
exchanged after introductions. Appointments should be made in
advance and confirmed. Business hours are 9am to 5pm Monday to
Friday.

Climate

Slovenia has a Mediterranean climate on the coast, and a
continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in
the plateaus and valleys to the east. Most of Slovenia's annual
rainfall occurs during spring in the interior regions away from the
coast. Winters are cold, particularly along the eastern part of the
country and in the Slovenian Alps, which are often covered in snow
during the winter period. The Slovenian coastline has a
sub-Mediterranean climate while the interior regions have a
continental climate with chilly winters and hot summers.

Communications

The international dialling code for Slovenia is +386. The
outgoing code is 00 followed by the relative country code (e.g.
0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are in use, e.g.
(0)1 for Ljubljana. Public telephones are operated with tokens or
magnetic cards, which are available from newsagents, post offices
and tobacco kiosks. Two major mobile phone operators provide GSM
900/1800 coverage. Internet cafes are prolific in Ljubljana and the
larger towns.

Customs

A copy of a passport or other form of identification should be
carried at all times.

Duty Free

Travellers to Slovenia from within the European Union may import
the following goods duty-free: 800 cigarettes, 400 cigarillos, 200
cigars, one kilogram tobacco, 10 litres spirits over 22%, 20 litres
liquor under 22%, 90 litres wine (no more than 60 litres sparkling
wine), 110 litres beer. Visitors from non-EU countries may import
up to 200 cigarettes/100 cigarillos/50 cigars/250g tobacco, and
medicinal products for personal use. Those 17 and older may import
one litre spirits over 22%, two litres spirits under 22% or
sparkling wine, two litres wine, and 16 litres beer. Visitors are
also restricted to importing only 50ml of perfume or 250ml of eau
de toilette. Other goods up to EUR430 (EUR150 for those under 15
years old) will not be taxed.

Getting around by bus is relatively inexpensive and is the best
way to get around for shorter distances. The well-organised,
frequent services connect all major towns and cities. For longer
journeys, travel by train is the most popular form of transport.
Car rental is available from various major international car hire
companies at reasonable rates, and hiring a car is a pleasant way
to see the country, as roads are excellent, and the scenery
picturesque.

Health

Typhoid and Hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended. In
forested areas hikers should guard against tick bites, as
tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease are a risk. Mains water is
safe to drink, milk is pasteurised and local meat and produce safe
to consume. Free emergency treatment is available from hospitals
and private doctors contracted. Slovenia has a reciprocal health
agreement with most EU countries, including the UK, providing
emergency health care on the same terms as Slovenian nationals. EU
travellers should take a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).

Language

The official language of Slovenia is Slovene. Italian and
Hungarian are also spoken in some communities.

Money

The Euro (EUR) is the official currency, which is divided into
100 cents. Banks offer the best exchange rates for cash and
travellers cheques. Banking hours are 8am to 12.30pm, and 2pm to
6pm on weekdays, and from 8am to 12pm on Saturdays. Numerous
bureaux de change are open outside banking hours throughout the
country. ATMs are readily available in major cities. Credit cards
are widely accepted by hotels, restaurants and shops.

Passport Visa

Passports should be valid for the period of stay. Those with
non-EEA passports are also recommended to hold documents for onward
or return travel, and sufficient funds of at least EUR70 for adults
and half that amount for children under 18, per day of stay, or the
equivalent in another hard currency. The borderless region known as
the Schengen area includes the following countries: Austria,
Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal,
Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain and Sweden. All these countries issue a
standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option that allows
the holder to travel freely within the borders of all. It is highly
recommended that passports have at least six months validity
remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel
destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to
those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Safety

There are extremely few risks involved in travel to Slovenia.
The threat of terrorism is low, as is the crime rate, however
sensible precautions are advised with valuables.

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